Jesper Blomqvist has agreed personal terms with Manchester United and the Swedish international winger is expected to sign for around £5 million from Italian side Parma, with the deal expected to be completed today.

Blomqvist had been unsure of his role at Old Trafford but, after a telephone conversation with manager Alex Ferguson, the 24-year-old has agreed to sign.

Everton have confirmed their interest in Monaco and Scotland midfielder John Collins. But despite making a bid for the former Celtic man, Goodison Park manager Walter Smith admits they are still some way off solid negotiations. "We have made an inquiry along with a number of other clubs," Smith said. "We will have to wait the outcome of that. We still have a fair bit to go before we can say that we have entered into full negotiations."

And Smith indicated that after the signing of Italian defender Marco Materazzi last week, the club are still on the look-out for more new talent, but added that the search for new players was one of the most difficult tasks for a manager.

"I like to think that we will have one or two more new faces in but then again, it is very difficult for all clubs to increase the playing staff.

Cesare Maldini last night quit as Italy coach following a meeting with Italian Soccer Federation president Luciano Nizzola.

Nizzola will decide on a successor "in the coming days", but former Italy captain Dino Zoff, now helping run Serie A club Lazio, is expected to become the third person to hold the post in 19 months.

Kenny Dalglish will be making it third time lucky if he is able to thrash out the terms required to sign German World Cup star Dietmar Hamann. Hamann (24), was one of very few players to shine in Berti Vogts' France 98 squad. Bayern team boss Ottmar Hitzfeld gave the United approach some credence when he said: "If Hamann wants to go, he can. We have plenty of replacements."

General Manager Uli Hoeness, meanwhile - a great friend of former Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan - said: "We have received an offer. But if the deal is not done by the time our season starts on July 26th, he is not going anywhere."

Stefan Effenberg's arrival at Bayern would already seem to hint at Hamann's departure because they both fill the same role.

Former world footballer of the year George Weah has extended his contract at AC Milan through to June 2001. The 32-year-old Liberian striker's previous deal ran out next summer.

Paraguay goalkeeper Jose-Luis Chilavert has hit back in the Argentinian press at what he sees as a "barbaric" decision by his club Velez Sarsfield to turn down Liverpool's big-money bid to buy him. Daily newspaper Ole claims the 32-year-old World Cup star has refused to return to training with his Argentinian employers because of the incident. "I only cost £350,000, and Liverpool offered £4 million," said Chilavert. "I am nearly 33, and for myself and Velez Sarsfield it was a barbaric business decision to turn down this bid."

Arsenal were told yesterday they can forget all about buying French World Cup hero Thierry Henry. Gunners boss Arsene Wenger was reported to be interested in the 20year-old striker to bolster his squad for their assault on the Champions' League following the sale of record scorer Ian Wright to West Ham United last week and David Platt's retirement.

Henry, rated at £5.5m, would have fitted the bill for the Double winners but Wenger has been warned off by Monaco president Jean-Louis Campara.

Norwegian defender Vegard Heggem yesterday became Liverpool's third summer signing when he joined the Merseyside club from Rosenborg. Liverpool refused to reveal the fee they had paid for the 23-year-old, but it is believed to be around £3.5million.

Blackburn have held talks with defender Colin Hendry to reassure him he remains the backbone of their side. The Scottish captain has been linked with a move to Glasgow Rangers, but Blackburn, to whom the player is contracted for a further three years, have again issued a hands-off warning.

Celtic general manager Jock Brown today claimed Gerard Houllier was never offered the head coach position during the Scottish champions' protracted summer search for Wim Jansen's successor.

Sheffield Wednesday's unsettled striker Benito Carbone placed his future with the club into doubt by reporting back for pre-season training 11 days late.

The Italian immediately met new manager Danny Wilson yesterday and was told it is up to him to decide on his future.

Carbone, signed from Inter Milan two years ago, had a roller-coaster debut in the Premiership last season. He was not always a regular in the side.

There has been speculation about the Italian being linked with a move back to his country, but Wilson insisted: "No other club has been in touch with us about him."

Wilson believes the Italian can have a successful season and help Sheffield Wednesday improve on last season's form.